"The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose."
Excel Martial Arts Special Needs Karate class is available for both children and adults in need of special care and instruction. Our special needs class began July of 2002 as a program for students with either physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, or both including autism, Fragile X Syndrome, mental retardation, Downs Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), and many others. This class focuses on motivation and activation. The students work towards developing increased coordination, muscle tone, and attention. They also benefit from learning ways to defend themselves. Our curriculum is set up to challenge our students from beginner ranks through advanced. Our Mansfield Dojo offers group classes on Mondays and private lessons by appointment. Our Canton facility runs classes on Wednesdays and private lessons by appointment.
Contact us for an evaluation and placement.
Basic Techniques
Our basic blocking techniques emphasize quick reaction and movement. Students must learn to avoid dangerous situations, but be able to handle them if they arise. Advanced students will learn about striking, its purpose, when it can be used, as well as the dangers involved in confronting a situation.
Kata
Our forms teach students how to combine blocking and striking. The forms teach coordination in stepping, turning, hand/eye, and left/right handed skills. Beginner forms are typically 3 direction forms. Intermediate forms are multi-directional and require more memory. Advanced forms are taught using a bo staff, which is a traditional martial arts weapon, used for developing increased coordination and control.
Self Defense
Combinations- Beginners learn basic block/strike combinations incorporating various techniques, targeting, and control. Releases- Students learn basic releases against the most common grabs. Our emphasis is on escaping without injury to the opponent.
Fitness
Students will develop increased strength, flexibility, and muscle tone, with class exercises. Muscle development will assist with body control and result in increased gross motor and fine motor skills.